Good morning…
On Wednesday evening, a group of nearly one hundred of us gathered at PAWkids to celebrate the life of 7-year-old Hailey Harris who died in a house fire along with her grandmother and two aunts. The 5:00 pm balloon launch in Hailey’s honor actually happened around 6:00 pm, followed by grilled hot dogs and fixings, sidewalk chalk and fun music, great joy intermingling with such deep sadness. Spurred by the Spirit, a donor from our written word community graciously covered the cost of the food.
At the exact same time, six miles up the road, over four hundred people enjoyed the annual Fall Festival at Northside Church. Trunk or Treat and costume contest. Hayride and bouncy house. Crafts and games. Chili and baked potato bar. Great fun was had by all.
As people for our church family enjoyed both of these celebrations, more than five hundred in our community experienced the kingdom of heaven on earth, expanding from Buckhead to Bankhead. “We are a powerful example of what it means to be the body of Christ,” wrote Northside’s Children’s Ministry Director in a follow up note of thanks. “I have no doubt we will attract people to us because of our love and the ways we reflect Christ.”
Collectively we remind me of the poem I met yesterday, written long ago by Teresa of Avila.
Just these two words He spoke
changed my life,
“Enjoy Me.”
What a burden I thought I was to carry –
a crucifix, as did He.
Love once said to me, “I know a song,
would you like to hear it?”
And laughter came from every brick in the street
and from every pore
in the sky.
After a night of prayer, He
changed my life when
He sang,
“Enjoy Me.”
On Wednesday night, all over our community, laughter came from every brick in the street and from every pore in the sky as we lived together the Lord’s invitation: “Enjoy Me.”
What was said of the early church can be said of us. Day after day the Lord added to their number everyone who was experiencing liberation (Acts 2:47, VOICE).
…Sue…
